Rise AV launches global awards programme
Rise AV launches global awards programme
Rise AV has launched the inaugural Rise AV Awards, a global awards programme recognising women, advocates and organisations across the AV industry. Entries are now open, with the first awards ceremony scheduled for May 2027.
The programme spans technical, creative and business roles across AV, integration, production and live events. Fourteen categories are open to individuals and organisations worldwide, covering areas including early careers, technical achievement, operations, product innovation, sales, marketing, leadership and advocacy.
The awards will also include a Woman of the Year category, selected by the judging panel, while the Advocate Award is open to individuals of any gender. A Company Award for Investment in Women recognises organisations demonstrating measurable efforts to attract, develop and retain women.
Sadie Groom, founder and CEO of Rise Diversity (AV and Broadcast), said: “Visibility matters. If we want more women and more diverse talent to see AV as an industry where they can build a career, they need to see people like themselves succeeding. These awards are about celebrating those achievements, creating role models and making sure the incredible people already shaping our industry are seen.”
The awards are open to the global AV, integration, production and live events ecosystem, with the ceremony set to be streamed online. Rise AV said that the programme is intended to highlight the range of careers and roles available across the industry, against a backdrop in which women account for 9% of the AV workforce.
Entries close on 27 November 2026, with judging scheduled for January 2027. The shortlist will be announced at ISE on 4 February 2027, with the ceremony taking place in May alongside the Peerless Technology Showcase.
Most categories carry an entry fee of £50 plus VAT for non-Rise sponsors. The judging panel will assess entries against published criteria, with Rise AV stating that conflicts of interest will be managed throughout the process.
“Sponsoring the Rise AV Awards is more than just putting your logo on a screen,” said Rachael Hamilton, managing director of Rise AV. “It’s about putting your brand behind the people and achievements you want to see more of. It’s about celebrating achievement, creating visibility and showing your employees, customers and future talent that you’re invested in the people shaping AV.”
